Anaheim Convention Center

Anaheim Convention Center

Boasting the title of largest convention center on the west coast, the Anaheim Convention Center provides exhibitors with more than 1.6 million square feet in exhibit space alone. This is all thanks to the five total expansion projects that have taken place since it was first opened in 1967. The last expansion project, completed in 2013, brings event planners the chance to hold outdoor events like concerts, receptions, alfresco dining, outdoor meetings, and so much more in the Grand Plaza. Its outdoor location lends itself to many different events and sizes.

It is a sight to behold, especially when you turn onto Convention Way. You are treated to palm trees lining both sides of the road, passing various pleasingly designed hotels along your way. The main entrance of the Anaheim Convention Center is a breathtaking configuration of glass-walled towers, existing to channel California’s glorious sunshine indoors. All of the space for meetings and exhibits within allow the event planner to get as creative as they’d like.

Features

Show off your custom trade show exhibits in the hall located downstairs, while 130,000 square feet of meeting and ballroom space exists on the second and third floors. Your meeting attendees will love the Anaheim Convention Center experience, where registration and pre-function space opens up onto the atrium towers, balcony-style. Even in the meeting, it is as if you are outdoors – the glass walls allow for impressive views of Convention Way, all the way toward Disney’s theme parks.

Big or small, your meeting will work perfectly here. Rooms all feature dividers that can be added to make the space more intimate, or taken away to accommodate a crowd. Audio and video services are provided thanks to PSAV Presentation Services, who happens to have an onsite office for maximum convenience. Whether you need high-quality audio for your presentation or top-notch video for your in-booth demonstration, PSAV will deliver.

Don’t worry about rushing around last-minute trying to find a Staples or local copy center. Print & Ship Business Center is there in the main lobby for all of your needs. Whether you need copies made, additional promotional materials printed out, binding, business cards, a fax, or to ship a package via FedEx or UPS, they offer this and more. You can even send them a file to be printed before the show, saving you on shipping charges!

The Anaheim Convention Center offers the best that technology has to offer, including Cyber Cafes and the capability to set up a custom Internet and email station for your booth visitors. You can also create webcasts of your events for those who cannot attend but don’t want to miss the demonstration. Take advantage of the ability to create a LAN, WAN, or VPN connections, or speak to their network professionals to discuss your big idea. They’re happy to customize a network design to your specific needs.

Their catering service, ARAMARK, has a name for their convention center dining experience: A Taste of Anaheim. The idea is to incorporate local flavors and Southern California inspired experiences, like edible arrangements, ocean-inspired dishes, fantasy themes, and even unique lighting. It’s taking typical experiences and making them special; taking the Plain Jane Dish and transforming it to look exquisite. This might be why they were named one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 2014.

Where To Eat

If the catered luncheon isn’t your thing, you can always go check out the Anaheim Garden Walk, which is about a ten-minute walk from the center. Most of these choices are casual dining options, like PF Changs, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., The Cheesecake Factory, and FiRE + iCE. One option you should check out is Roy’s Hawaiin Fusion Cuisine, a well-known restaurant worldwide that blends Hawaii and Asia dishes perfectly.

If you venture out for a 15-minute walk towards Disneyland Drive, you can find Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. Featuring smooth jazz sounds with New Orleans-esque cuisine, you’ll feel like you are in Louisiana itself. Whimsical decorations lighten your mood indoors or choose to dine in the open-air courtyard or the outdoor “Jazz Balcony” that overlooks Downtown Disney District.

At night, unwind with a cocktail from Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar, or choose something off of the extensive wine list. Stuck on which wine will pair best with your meal? There are sommeliers on hand to help guide your decision. You’ll find Mediterranean fares like pita and hummus, lobster paella, and lamb shanks, all served in a pleasing, relaxing environment. While it is fine dining, you don’t need to worry about a dress code – it is located within the Disneyland Resort, so comfort is key.

What To Do

The better question is what isn’t there to do in the area! You could spend an entire day or two wandering the Anaheim Garden Walk, more than just a few places to eat! This impressive area is home to many activities including shopping and entertainment options alongside the many restaurants. If you love to shop, check out The Body Shop, LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, Fresh Produce, and Los Angeles Harley-Davidson of Anaheim to name a few. There’s a little bit of everything here!

There is no shortage of entertainment on the Anaheim Garden Walk! Want to sneak in a quick workout when you’re stuck in your trade show booth all day long? Head to 24 Hour Fitness, a leader in fitness in the United States, offering month-to-month and online memberships that are affordable. For a great group activity, you can enjoy with your booth-mates, check out Bowlmor Lanes for some good, old-fashioned bowling fun. For adult after-hours fun, head to Heat Ultra Lounge for cocktails and break out your dancing shoes. If dancing isn’t your thing, catch a movie at UltraLuxe Cinemas.

If you want activities nearby that aren’t part of the Anaheim Garden Walk, there is a Tourist Information Center conveniently located right there. Score discounted tickets to area attractions, check out the list of sightseeing tours, purchase Anaheim Resort Transit Tickets, and learn other general area information here.

Check out the Anaheim Convention Center when considering where to exhibit in Anaheim. While you’re there for the show, enjoy all that the Anaheim Resort area has to offer.